When we look at obesity on an individual level, it is the result of excessive food intake and lack of physical exercise. There are a limited number of cases where the obesity is the result of genetics, medical reasons or psychiatric illness. The rate at which obesity is increasing today is felt to be the result of a poor diet which is satisfied by the easily accessible fast food restaurants, the increased use of cars and an individual ’ s discipline with regards to their diet.
Research that was carried out in 2006 also contributed the following to the increase of obesity:
1.Lack of sleep
2. Environmental pollution that interferes with the lipid metabolism
3. Decreased variable temperature
4. Stopping smoking as smoking is known to suppress the appetite
5. Increased use of medications which can cause weight gain
6. Increase in the weight of the population as a whole
7. Pregnancy at a later age
8. Genetic factors that are passed through generations
9. Higher BMI
10. More acceptance of heavier individuals
Diet
The energy supply that is obtained from a person ’ s diet varies largely between different regions and countries and this has changed significantly over the years. From 1970 – 1990 the amount of food purchased per person per day increased in all areas with the exception of Eastern Europe. The highest available rate of calories per person was recorded in the USA with over 3,650 calories per person in 1996 which increased further in 2003 to over 3,750 calories per person. In the late 90s Europeans had a recorded calorie rate per person of over 3,300 per person per day. The total food consumption is related directly to obesity.
The availability of nutritional guidelines has done little to address the problems of overeating and poor choices in a person ’ s diet. Obesity rates increased from over 14% to over 30% in the USA in the period from 1971 – 2000. The average amount of food consumed also rose during this period. The average increase recorded for women was 340 calories per day in 1971 and has subsequently continued to rise. The average increase in calories consumed by men was lower at just 175 calories per day in 1971 but this has also continued to rise.
Most of this extra food consumption came from eating more carbohydrates rather than fat, with the primary increases being the result of consuming more sweetened drinks and crisps, both of which are said to account for over 25% of the diet of the average American. Soft drinks, fruit drinks and energy and vitamin drinks are believed to have a direct link to the rising rates of obesity and also to the increasing risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
As societies have become more reliant on bigger portions, fast food the link between this type of consumption and obesity becomes more of a concern, with the US recording consumption of fast foods to have tripled from 1977 – 1995.
Lower food prices of processed foods make this type of food more attainable than fresh fruit and vegetables which can be a determining factor when people are food shopping. However the food manufacturers now have to include a complete breakdown of the nutritional ingredients on food labels and this is an attempt to steer people towards making healthier choices whilst also making the individual more aware of how many calories they are consuming.
Lifestyle A sedentary lifestyle plays a vital part in obesity. There has been a large shift worldwide towards less physically demanding work and currently over 30% of the population do not get enough exercise. This is due to the increase reliability on motor cars and labor saving devices available today. Children have less physical education at school and the levels of their physical activities continue to decline.
In adults and children there is a link between TV viewing and the risk of obesity, with a recent study reporting that there is an increased rate of over 85% of childhood obesity that can actually be directly linked to the time these children are spending watching TV nowadays.
Genetics In a similar way to other medical conditions, obesity can be the result of a mix of genetic and environmental factors. People with certain genetic makeup will be more prone to obesity as they have a condition that slows down the rate at which they can burn fat.
Other Illness Certain illnesses that require treatment with drugs can increase a person ’ s risk of obesity. There are a number of medical illnesses and disorders that will also result in obesity when left undetermined.
Certain types of medication can cause weight gain, and these include: – Insulin- Sulfonylurea’s – Antidepressants-Steroids-Certain contraception medication.
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